Old Bean is Sick
On Wednesday I discovered that Old Bean has scabs on his back - lots of scabs. I hadn't played with him closely in a few days so I'm guessing this happened over the course of the previous 48 hours. My first instinct was that it had to be mites. I've read a lot about guinea pigs in books and online and mites seems to be the common cause of hair loss, skin flaking, and red scratches and scabs on the skin.

I found a vet that would see Bean yesterday afternoon and after lots of waiting, some very expensive "examinations" and a horrifying skin scrape which broke my heart to watch, the diagnosis was inconclusive. The vet did not want to treat for mites unless we found mites on a skin scrape - I've read from other pig owner's accounts that this happens a lot. Since mites are hard to find on a skin scrape, vets often will refuse to diagnose a pig with mites. Instead he gave me some medicated pads to rub on Bean's scabs in hopes that it will help heal them and prevent Bean from chewing.

I rebuilt Rem & Bean's cage into two separate cages. They now have twice the original size, and they seem pretty happy about that. Rem is trying desperately to get to Bean. Bean is acting normal (not timid like before) and Grayson is living in Rem's old cage, which is about 3 square feet. He seems to be fine with that arrangement. When he is 6 months and can stop eating alfalfa I'll build him a bigger cage or possibly put him in with one of the other pigs, depending on their behavior.

I'm posting pictures of Bean's scabs and medication for those interested - if you know anything about guinea pigs and mites please let me know what you think. I did not want to argue with the doctor, but if Bean does have mites he will only get worse until I give him the correct medication.



DO NOT LOOK AT THE PICTURES IF YOU FIND SCRATCHED, SCABBED SKIN DISGUSTING




















His hair is falling out in small bits with a piece of skin attached.


This is Bean's medication. I just noticed it says for dogs and horses. Hope that's not a problem... It's all natural stuff so it shouldn't be.







I will continue to take pictures through the week to see if I notice any change. The vet said I probably wouldn't notice a change until 2-3 weeks, which is how long the medication will last. I guess if it gets worse I'll take him back or find another vet. If it gets better we'll all be happy and if it stays the same I'll take him back in 3 weeks.